Heart of stone
Meaning
Someone with a heart of stone is completely devoid of sympathy, compassion, or human emotion.
Origin
The phrase "heart of stone" draws its powerful imagery directly from ancient religious texts, most notably the Bible. In the Old Testament, particularly in Ezekiel 36:26, God promises to "remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh." This vivid metaphor painted a clear picture for listeners of a spiritual state: a heart hardened by sin, unresponsive to divine will or human suffering—as unyielding and insensitive as a rock. It contrasts sharply with a "heart of flesh," which signifies sensitivity, compassion, and responsiveness. This stark biblical comparison solidified the phrase's meaning, embedding it deeply into Western language as the quintessential description of someone utterly devoid of empathy or human feeling.
Examples
- Despite the tragic news, he showed no emotion, leading many to believe he truly had a heart of stone.
- She pleaded with her landlord for an extension, but his heart of stone remained unmoved by her financial struggles.